In a flat organisation with cross-functional teams, we noticed a hesitation.

Hesitation around having difficult conversations. An inhibition to voice concerns at the right time.

Because of this, critical feedback was lost, outcomes compromised and trust hampered.

In a workshop with them we enquired into:

𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘴 𝘶𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳?

A theme that echoed in the group: 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀.

“I am not sure if I’m crossing a line,” a member said.

The same concern surfaced in different words.

Fear of overstepping.

So they held back - stayed careful.

Always nice to each other.

Avoided saying things that might 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮 unkind.

And risk making things uncomfortable.

In the process, crucial inputs did not get voiced.

Significant value was lost. The status quo continued.